EDDM costs explained: Price guide for local businesses

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to reach a local audience, Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) might just be the strategy you’ve been missing.

You don’t need a mailing list. You don’t need to be a USPS expert. And best of all, you don’t need a huge budget.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what EDDM is, what it costs, and how to use it effectively. Whether you’re running a café, a fitness studio, a salon, or a local retail shop, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to make EDDM work for your business.

What is EDDM, and why use it?

EDDM, or Every Door Direct Mail, is a USPS program that allows you to send marketing mail to specific neighborhoods without needing mailing lists. You choose delivery routes by ZIP code, carrier route, or even demographic filters like age and income. USPS delivers your flyers, menus, or postcards to every door on your chosen routes.

So, why use it? Well, over 33 billion EDDM pieces have been mailed since 2011, which has generated $5 billion in revenue, highlighting the success of this offline marketing strategy. If you want to explore more benefits of using EDDM, read our article here.

How much does EDDM cost?

EDDM is one of the most budget-friendly ways to run a targeted local marketing campaign—but costs can vary depending on how you approach it. Whether you go DIY or use a full-service provider like EDDM.com, it’s important to understand what goes into your total investment.

Here’s a breakdown of the main cost components:

1. Postage

USPS charges a flat rate for EDDM Retail postage. As of now, the rate is approximately $0.223 per piece. This is a fixed cost across all standard campaigns and applies whether you’re targeting a few hundred homes or tens of thousands.

2. Printing

The price involved in printing can depend on a variety of factors such as mailer size, paper type, finish, and quantity. Standard sizes include 6.5” x 9″ or 8.5” x 11″.

To give you an idea, printing a batch of 2,000 glossy postcards typically costs between $0.15 and $0.25 per piece. Larger quantities and standard formats usually reduce the per-piece cost.

3. Freight costs

Freight refers to the cost of shipping printed mailers from the production facility to the appropriate USPS entry point. If your target routes are far from the printer, this can become a surprisingly large expense—up to $0.10 per piece in some cases.

Many businesses overlook this cost when planning their campaigns, but it’s important to consider this in your budget. At EDDM.com, freight is included transparently in your pricing, so there are no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.

3. Design and setup

If you’re outsourcing the design of your mailer, you can expect to pay $20–$150 per hour for a freelance graphic designer. However, this can vary depending on your location, the experience of the designer, and the complexity of your design.

Some EDDM providers or print companies also offer templates or in-house design services.

Example cost breakdown: Sending 2,000 postcards via EDDM

Component	Cost Per Unit	Total
Postage	$0.223	$446
Printing (6.5×9, glossy)	$0.19	$380
Design (flat rate)	—	$150
Freight	$0.04	$80
Total Cost	—	$1,056

This example highlights that you can pay less than $0.52 per piece to print, design, and deliver directly into mailboxes. Compared to paid ads, where cost-per-click can easily exceed $1.50 in competitive markets, it’s a budget-conscious option that provides lasting visibility.

Bundled EDDM services: Are they worth it?

Some platforms, like EDDM.com, offer all-inclusive solutions that take care of design, printing, bundling, and USPS delivery. These can be especially helpful for those with less experience with EDDM or those with time constraints.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of working with an EDDM provider:

Advantages

• Simpler logistics
• USPS requirements handled for you
• Print and freight included
• Time saved
• Access to tracking dashboard

Trade-offs

• Less granular control
• Slightly higher overall cost

For busy marketing teams, using an EDDM provider can be more convenient despite a potential price difference. This allows them to dedicate more time to other marketing activities and overall business operations.

Now that you know what it might cost and how to simplify the process with bundled services, here’s how to get better results from your campaign.

How to make EDDM work harder for you

Invest in strong design and clear copy

Visuals can make or break your mailer. 87% of consumers have stated that a brand’s design can influence their purchasing decisions. 

The message in your mailer is equally important. You should communicate clearly and concisely, and include a strong Call To Action (CTA) that tells the receiver exactly what they need to do next.

Keep the design clean, bold, and focused on a single message or offer. If you overwhelm the receiver with a busy design or too much information, it’s likely your mailer will end up in the trash before it’s even been read.

Use unique offers and trackable elements

Add QR codes, discount codes, or personalized URLs to track engagement and conversions. This allows you to see what worked well and what didn’t, so that you can optimize future campaigns. 

Including a time-sensitive offer in your mailer can accelerate response rates. Data shows that 64% of consumers are more inclined to purchase a product featuring a limited-time promotion, even if they had no prior intention to buy.

Time your campaigns wisely

Schedule mail deliveries around holidays or events in your local area. Strategic timing can mean the difference between ending up in the trash or on the fridge.

Frequently asked questions about EDDM costs

1. How much does EDDM typically cost per mail piece?

The total cost usually falls between $0.40 to $0.60 per mail piece, depending on design, printing, and total quantity. 

2. Are there any hidden fees with EDDM?

When it comes to EDDM, what you see is generally what you get. However, costs can increase if you add design services, premium paper finishes, or express delivery. If you’re working with an EDDM provider, you should always request a full quote.

3. Do I need to pay for a mailing permit?

EDDM Retail (the most common option for small businesses) does not require a permit, which helps keep upfront costs low.

4. Can I save money by printing and bundling the mailers myself?

Yes, but it requires time and adherence to USPS guidelines. You’ll need to bundle mailers in stacks of 50, complete facing slips, and drop them off at designated USPS locations. This is manageable for smaller campaigns but may be impractical and time-consuming for larger campaigns.

5. Is EDDM cheaper than digital ads?

In many cases, yes. While a Google or Meta ad might cost $1.50+ per click, EDDM gets a physical piece into someone’s hands for under $0.50. Plus, direct mail often has a longer shelf life and faces less competition for gaining consumer attention.

6. Does design quality really affect how well my EDDM performs?

A well-designed mailer enhances credibility and increases response rates. Research from Lucidpress indicates that consistent branding across all platforms, including print, can lead to a revenue increase of up to 23%.

Final thoughts 

With relatively low upfront investment and the ability to make an impact in local neighborhoods, EDDM is an accessible, high-impact channel, especially when paired with a strong design and timely message.

Explore our easy-to-use EDDM tool to design, print, and deliver your next campaign without the headaches. Whether it’s your first time using EDDM or you’ve already set up several campaigns before, it’s never been simpler to get started. 

Try out the tool here or learn more about creating your EDDM campaign.